Wicca is a modern pagan, witchcraft religion that was developed in the mid-20th century. It is based on ancient pre-Christian beliefs and practices. Wiccans believe in a divine power that exists within all living things and in the interconnectedness of everything in the world. The main deity in Wicca is the Goddess, who represents the feminine aspect of divinity and is often worshiped as a trinity with the Mother, Maiden, and Crone. The God, representing the masculine aspect, is seen as a partner and equal to the Goddess. Wiccans celebrate the cycles of nature, such as the changing seasons and lunar phases.
Turin Olympics: “YES.”
The Nagano mascots look like the creations of kindergarteners asked to draw what they thought owls would look like if they were in the Yellow Submarine music video. And while many will turn to Pyeongchang for the speed of downhill skiing or the power and grace of figure skating, the most exciting part of my Olympic experience was teased around 20 months ago, when the Olympic organizing committee announced that a white tiger named Soohorang would be the official mascot of the 2018 games and the 25th mascot in Olympic history.
Wiccans celebrate the cycles of nature, such as the changing seasons and lunar phases. They believe in the concept of reincarnation and the use of magic, or witchcraft, for positive purposes. One of the key customs in Wicca is the celebration of the Sabbats, which are eight seasonal festivals that mark important points in the year, such as the solstices and equinoxes.
Winter Olympic Games Mascots
There have been Olympic mascots since the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble. They are now an integral part of the promotion and commercial success of the Games.
The mascot is a character, often an animal native to the area who represents the place where the Games are taking place.
| Year | Mascot Names | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Beijing | Bing Dwen Dwen and Shuey Rhon Rhon | The Winter Olympic Games mascot is a panda named Bing Dwen Dwenwhich has a "suit of ice, a heart of gold and a love of all things winter sports". For the Paralympic Games, the mascot is a Chinese lantern child named Shuey Rhon Rhon. |
| 2018 | Pyeongchang | Soohorang | white tiger "Soohorang" and an Asiatic black bear "Bandabi" for the Winter Paralympics. |
| 2014 | Sochi | Bely Mishka (polar bear), Snow Leopard (leopard), Zaika (hare) | A public vote decided the three mascots, a Polar Bear, European Hare and Amur Leopard. A Ray of Light and a Snowflake were selected to be the mascots of the Paralympic Games. |
| 2010 | Vancouver | Miga, Quatchi and Sumi | Miga is part Kermode bear, a rare white bear that only lives in British Columbia. Quatchi is a young sasquatch, the sasquatch is a popular figure in local native legends of the Pacific West Coast. Sumi is an animal spirit who lives in the mountains of British Columbia. Sumi’s name comes from the Salish word “Sumesh” which means “guardian spirit.” |
| 2006 | Torino | Neve and Gliz | The two characters represented a snowball and ice cube |
| 2002 | Salt Lake City | Copper, Powder and Coal | The three mascots were characters of a coyote, snowshoe and Coal Bear, representing Higher, Faster, Stronger. |
| 1998 | Nagano | Sukki, Nokki, Lekki and Tsukk | The four owls were collectively known as The Snowlets. They represented the four major islands of Japan. Also the first syllable of each name combines phonetically to create the word "Snowlets". |
| 1994 | Lillehammer | Håkon and Kristin | The mascots were two Norwegian children, dressed in traditional Norwegian clothes. |
| 1992 | Albertville | Magique | Magique was a snow imp. It plays with the concept of dream and imagination through its star-like shape. |
| 1988 | Calgary | Hidy and Howdy | The Calgary mascots were two polar bears, representing Western Canadian hospitality. |
| 1984 | Sarajevo | Vučko | A newspaper poll chose Vučko, a wolf designed by Slovenian illustrator Jože Trobec. The little wolf symbolized the desire of humans to befriend animals. The other finalists were a chipmunk, a lamb, a mountain goat, a porcupine, and a snowball. |
| 1980 | Lake Placid | Roni | Roni was a raccoon. Its face design resembled the hat and goggles used by competitors. |
| 1976 | Innsbruck | Schneemann | A Snowman, representing the Games of Simplicity. |
| 1972 | Sapporo | none | |
| 1968 | Grenoble | Schuss | Schuss was the image of a stylized skier, the first Olympic mascot. |
Sochi Mascots at the Opening Ceremony
These rituals involve the use of incense, candles, and other symbolic tools, as well as prayers, chants, and offerings to the deities. Wiccans also conduct Esbats, which are monthly rituals held during the full moon, to honor the Goddess and connect with her energy. Another important aspect of Wiccan beliefs and customs is the practice of magic. Wiccans believe that magic is a natural force that can be harnessed for personal growth, spiritual development, and healing. Spells and rituals are performed to manifest specific intentions, such as attracting love, prosperity, or protection. Wiccans believe in the Rule of Three, also known as the Law of Return, which states that any energy sent out into the world will be returned threefold. Wicca is a initiatory religion, meaning that one must be initiated into a coven, or group, to become a Wiccan. Covens are typically small, close-knit communities that provide support, guidance, and training to their members. Wiccans also celebrate rites of passage, such as handfastings, or weddings, and wiccanings, or baby blessings. In conclusion, Wicca is a modern pagan religion that incorporates ancient beliefs and practices. Wiccans believe in the divinity within all living things and celebrate the cycles of nature. They engage in rituals, use magic, and belong to covens to deepen their spiritual connection and personal growth..
Reviews for "The role of familiars in Wiccan belief systems"
1. John - 1 star
I found "Wiccan beliefs and customs" to be completely ridiculous. The notion of practicing witchcraft and casting spells is nothing more than a childish fantasy. I thought this book would shed light on a unique spiritual path, but instead, it felt like a hodgepodge of made-up rituals and superstitions. I was thoroughly disappointed and would not recommend this book to anyone seeking genuine spiritual growth.
2. Sarah - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Wiccan beliefs and customs" but was ultimately let down. The author seemed more interested in promoting their own agenda rather than providing informative and well-researched content. I understand that spirituality is a personal experience, but this book presented Wicca in such a vague and confusing manner that I couldn't take it seriously. It lacked depth and failed to address important aspects of Wiccan beliefs, making it a less than satisfactory read for me.
3. Mark - 3 stars
As someone who is not familiar with Wiccan beliefs, I was intrigued to learn more through this book. However, I found the explanations to be convoluted and difficult to understand. The author used overly complex language and often jumped between different concepts without proper clarification. It made it challenging to grasp the core tenets of Wicca. Additionally, the book included several recipes for potions and spells, which I personally found unnecessary and misleading, as it perpetuates stereotypes about Wicca. Overall, I believe there are better resources available for those interested in learning about Wiccan beliefs and customs.